Demand for Disciplinary Action Against Those Responsible for 'Violent Suppression'
Police Chief: "Cannot Agree to Hardline Suppression"
Minju Labor Union: "Resign Jo Ji-ho"
Members of the Democratic Party of Korea, the Party for Justice and Innovation, the Progressive Party, the Social Democratic Party, and the Basic Income Party stated, “Violent suppression is a clear challenge to the National Assembly and the people,” and demanded, “The Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency must discipline those responsible.”
Han Chang-min, leader of the Social Democratic Party, is holding a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office. Han Chang-min Instagram
They held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the same day, saying, “At last weekend’s nationwide workers’ rally, the excessive suppression by the police revealed the instability and malice of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, which is collapsing with a 17% approval rating, to the whole world,” and added, “This ruthless regime has clearly shown that its final card to wield is physical violence.”
They demanded, “Immediately release the 11 workers who were detained at the scene. We warn that if forced judicial actions such as arrest warrants are requested, it will provoke an even greater backlash,” and urged, “From now on, the police must take responsibility for the safety of assemblies where the people exercise their sovereignty and guarantee peaceful assemblies for the people.”
Han Chang-min, leader of the Social Democratic Party, is being subdued by the police. Online community
Regarding the incident at last weekend’s government protest where the police subdued Han Chang-min, leader of the Social Democratic Party, Police Commissioner General Jo Ji-ho said, “Has it been confirmed that (his neck was grabbed)? It has not been confirmed that he fell due to police physical force. If there is video evidence, I will acknowledge it,” and raised his voice, saying, “It was a situation where a passage was being cleared, and (Han leader) came accompanied by a YouTuber. We took safety distancing measures, but he approached again.” Commissioner Jo stated in response to criticism of the police’s harsh suppression, “We fully complied with the procedures under the Assembly and Demonstration Act,” and said, “It is difficult to agree with the criticism.”
Han, on June 9, explained via social media, “The police blocked the road as if they could not tolerate the increase in the number of protesters. They ignored the agreement to clear the first lane. During the forced push-in process, a physical struggle broke out. I said I was a member of the National Assembly and shouted that such clashes would cause injuries, but they were reckless. Eventually, I was pushed down to the ground and carried away. My clothes were torn, and I sustained bruises all over my body.”
Im Myeong-hee, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party, said, “This is a clear suppression of democracy that infringes on the freedom of assembly and expression. It is an act that shows the true nature of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, which has wielded power recklessly,” and added, “This violent response by the police will become the torch for the regime’s resignation. We will respond with greater solidarity among citizens. We will hold them accountable entirely by the power of the people.”
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions is holding a press conference in front of the Seoul Seodaemun-gu Police Agency. Photo by Im Chun-han
The police announced that they have begun a pre-investigation (internal inquiry) into the leadership of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU). A police official explained, “It appears that illegal acts were premeditated at the rally. We are conducting an internal inquiry into the executive committee, the organizers of the rally,” and added, “We will request the attendance of seven people, including the chairman.” The police are currently investigating the 11 people arrested on June 9 at various police stations in Seoul along with collected evidence and are reviewing the application for arrest warrants.
The KCTU held a press conference in front of the National Police Agency in the afternoon, stating, “Resign the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency who violently intruded into the peaceful rally. Immediately release all detainees,” and said, “The police forcibly pushed union members who were moving to or sitting at the rally site, causing clashes.” They further claimed, “The police permitted a space smaller than expected for the first general rally for the regime’s resignation,” and “We repeatedly requested cooperation for the rally site, but it was denied.”
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